The Tinwhistle in Classic Art

Whistle
1

I happened to be strolling through the National Gallery of Art this weekend when I came across the famous painting “Allegory of Music” by Boucher.

I nearly walked past it unawares, when something in my peripheral vision caught my eye:

Zounds! That little Cupid was handing over a tinwhistle. Apparently a copper or brass model, and I thought I could make out the hint of a Delrin plug, although I couldn't be sure, since the security guards were dragging me away at that point.

I'm hoping that Thomas Hastay will make some measurements and estimate for us the key and other important vocal characteristics of the whistle. And perhaps some of the more erudite of the readership can comment on what role the tinwhistle plays in the "Allegory of Music". I do note that the figure of Music has accepted the harp and is looking at the whistle with what appears to be barely concealed contempt, but I'm sure there are more learned explanations.

Your faithful Art correspondent,

Scott T. \ \ \ [ This Message was edited by: srt19170 on 2001-12-31 12:34 ]

2

Actually I think the look on her face is resignation to the fact that the whistle is the superior instrument. You can see that the little bugger holding the whistle also has the victory laurel in his other hand. I think he is rubbing in the fact that the whistle is superior and the muse of music shows her resigned acceptance of the fact.

Course, I could just be full of it too

Ron
3

On 2001-12-31 12:35, Ron Rowe wrote:
You can see that the little bugger holding the whistle also has the victory laurel in his other hand.

A victory laurel, thank god! I was afraid that was a bodhran.

– Scott T.

4

She’s actually handing back the harp against the insistence of the pest so she can check out the whistle and add it to her collection.
Tony